As parents, we do everything we can to support our children’s development—from nutrition and sleep to school and sports. But what about spinal health? At Flintridge Family Chiropractic in La Cañada Flintridge, we often get asked: Is chiropractic care safe for children? The answer is yes—when performed by experienced professionals like Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. Shabazian, pediatric chiropractic is not only safe, it’s incredibly beneficial.
In this blog, we’ll walk you through the benefits of chiropractic care for kids, what to expect during a pediatric visit, and how it can support your child’s development, comfort, and long-term health.
Why Would a Child Need a Chiropractor?
Many parents are surprised to learn that even babies and toddlers can benefit from chiropractic care. The birth process itself—even a smooth delivery—can place stress on an infant’s spine and nervous system. As children grow, they encounter countless physical stressors: learning to walk, carrying backpacks, playground falls, poor posture from screens, sports injuries, and more. All of these factors can cause subtle shifts in spinal alignment that may interfere with the nervous system. Since the nervous system controls every function in the body—from digestion to immunity to focus—maintaining spinal health can play a powerful role in helping kids thrive.
Common Reasons Parents Bring Their Kids to a Chiropractor
At Flintridge Family Chiropractic, we see children for a variety of reasons, including:
- Torticollis and breastfeeding difficulties in infants
- Ear infections and recurring colds
- Colic, constipation, and digestive issues
- Poor posture or tech neck
- Sports injuries or growing pains
- Trouble sleeping or behavioral concerns
- Focus and attention challenges
Many parents initially bring their child in for a specific concern, but continue with wellness care after seeing improvements in sleep, mood, immunity, or athletic performance.
What Does a Pediatric Chiropractic Adjustment Look Like?
A pediatric chiropractic adjustment is incredibly gentle and tailored specifically to a child’s size, age, and developmental stage. In fact, for infants, the pressure used is often no more than what you’d use to check the ripeness of a tomato. Dr. Zimmerman and Dr. Shabazian are trained in low-force techniques appropriate for babies, toddlers, and older children. We also take the time to create a fun, safe, and calming environment—so your child feels at ease from the start. Adjustments may involve soft fingertip pressure, light mobilizations, or specialized instruments
designed for delicate spines. There is no twisting, cracking, or forceful movement.
Supporting Development and Milestones
Proper spinal alignment supports normal movement patterns and gross motor development. When a child’s spine is in balance, it’s easier for them to crawl, walk, run, and grow without unnecessary strain. For example, if an infant has a misalignment in the upper neck (common after birth), they may struggle with head rotation, leading to nursing difficulties or flat spots on the skull. Gentle chiropractic care can help restore symmetry and motion, supporting natural development.
In toddlers and school-aged children, care can improve coordination, reduce growing pains, and even support better posture—especially as many children now spend hours a day hunched over devices.
Chiropractic and Immune Function
One of the most powerful benefits of chiropractic care for kids is its effect on the nervous system, which influences immune health. We often hear from parents that their child “just seems healthier” when under regular care. While chiropractic is not a cure for illness, reducing nerve interference can enhance the body’s ability to function, adapt, and recover naturally. This can mean fewer colds, shorter recovery
times, and improved resilience.
Is Chiropractic Safe for Children?
Yes—when delivered by trained professionals, chiropractic care is widely regarded as safe for children of all ages. Multiple studies have confirmed the safety of pediatric chiropractic care, especially when using age-appropriate techniques.
At Flintridge Family Chiropractic, your child’s health and safety are our top priorities. We always begin with a thorough history and assessment to determine whether chiropractic care is appropriate. If we feel your child would benefit from another type of care, we’re happy to refer you to trusted local providers.
Chiropractic for Young Athletes
If your child participates in sports, chiropractic care can be a game-changer. Just like we see in professional athletes—including the Men’s and Women’s Olympic Soccer Teams we proudly support—young athletes benefit from regular care that keeps their body aligned, mobile, and injury-resistant. Our doctors have experience working with athletes of all ages. We focus on optimizing joint movement, improving biomechanics, and helping your child stay active and pain-free as they
grow. Injury prevention is especially important for growing bodies. Even small misalignments from a fall or impact can affect performance and increase the risk of future issues if left unaddressed.
What Do Parents Say?
Many parents notice positive changes in their child’s behavior, focus, sleep quality, and overall well-being after just a few chiropractic visits. Kids often love their appointments, and we aim to make each experience fun and empowering. We’ve had toddlers hop up on the adjusting table with smiles, school-aged kids bring in their report cards to show us how well they’re doing, and even teens request appointments before big games or exams.
Creating a Healthier Future for Your Child
At Flintridge Family Chiropractic, we believe that healthy kids become healthy adults. Chiropractic care isn’t just about treating symptoms—it’s about setting your child up for a lifetime of better movement, stronger immunity, and overall well-being.
We encourage you to reach out with any questions or to schedule a gentle evaluation for your child. Our team is here to partner with you in creating a healthy, vibrant future for your family.
